Nickelodeon’s Dora the Explorer Celebrates Christmas in New Interactive Storybook Application for iPhone and iPad

Montreal, Canada and New York, N.Y. – Dec. 2, 2010 – Nickelodeon’s Dora the Explorer is starring in a new interactive storybook application for the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad, giving kids a fun way to celebrate the spirit of the holidays. Dora’s Christmas Carol Adventure is an intuitive app that features elements of mobile gaming and offers interactive storytelling interspersed with fun mini-games.

Based on the Dora’s Christmas Carol Adventure TV special, theapp follows the Latina heroine as she travels through time to teach the mischievous fox Swiper all about the spirit of Christmas. Even though Swiper has given Dora trouble on her past adventures, Dora believes everyone deserves a second chance, especially during the holidays.

“In terms of interactive storytelling, I think Dora is the best possible property to work with,” says Michael Elman, Creative Director at Budge Studios. “The television show is already extremely interactive, often calling on children to answer questions, or sing and dance along. Our apps take that experience and bring the interactions to life. It’s the perfect fit.”

“This app allows kids to continue enjoying Dora’s Christmas Carol Adventure in a fun and exciting way that gives them control over the action,” said Tanya Van Court, SVP and GM of Nick Jr. and ParentsConnect. “Kids are able to interact with Dora by playing an app that features state-of-the-art technology on three of their favorite portable devices.”

Children and parents can follow along as Dora narrates the tale, or they can choose to read the story for themselves. Along their Christmas journey, they will interact with the environment to help Swiper in when he encounters challenges. The app features wonderful animations, all-original songs and several enjoyable in-game activities.

Dora’s Christmas Carol Adventure at a glance:

Features several activities and mini-games

Offers wonderful lessons on sharing and the spirit of Christmas

Users can listen to Dora’ narration of the story, read it on their own, or have it read to them

Features Dora singing a special Christmas song

The iPad version features HD graphics and remarkably smooth animations

The iPhone and iPod touch versions feature special motion control in a “time traveling” mini-game

Dora’s Christmas Carol Adventure is $2.99 for the iPhone and iPod touch and $4.99 for the iPad and available exclusively on the App Store in the Games – Kids section. At launch, the apps will have a Special Discount for a limited time: $1.99 for the iPhone and iPod touch and $3.99 for the iPad.

About Nickelodeon

Nickelodeon, now in its 31st year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books, and feature films. Nickelodeon’s U.S. television network is seen in almost 100 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for 16 consecutive years. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B).

About Budge Studios

Budge Studios is a leading publisher and developer of interactive children’s books, games, and digital toys for multiple platforms including touch devices and tablet computers. Located in Montreal, Budge creates dynamic and engaging products that are both entertaining and educational for millions of children all over the world. Focused specifically on producing content for kids, Budge Studios is working together with the industry’s top licensors and toy companies. www.budgestudios.ca